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Soyuz-ST carrier rocket with O3b European communications satellites blasts off from Guiana

The Arianespace company responsible for launches from the launch pad in the Guiana Space Center said the liftoff occurred at 15:37 local time

PARIS, December 18. /TASS/. Russian carrier rocket Soyuz-ST with O3b European communications satellites has successfully blasted off from the Guiana Space Center.

The Arianespace company responsible for launches from the launch pad in the Guiana Space Center said the liftoff occurred at 15:37 local time (18:37 UTC).

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Putin invites Tajik leader to attend celebration of 80th anniversary of victory in WWII

He recalled that Tajikistan will hold presidency in the Commonwealth of Independent States next year

Europe unable to wage war attrition on Russia — Ukraine’s ex-commander-in-chief

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West beginning to realize only part of Ukraine will remain — Lavrov

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Russian ambassador says UK prime minister doesn’t understand situation in Ukraine

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West irrational, fails to understand it cannot intercept Russia's new missiles — Kneissl

The former Austrian foreign minister stressed that she "counted on rational Western decision-makers, but irrationality is unfortunately on the rise among them"

Ukraine was warned about possible missile strike — Pentagon

Department of Defense Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh gave no answer to the question of how could Ukraine prepare for this kind of attack

Putin says Oreshnik missile system cutting-edge innovation by Russia, not Soviet byproduct

The Russian Defense Ministry announced earlier in the day that the country’s latest Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile hit all the targets at a major Ukrainian military-industrial enterprise in Dnepr (Dnepropetrovsk) with its MIRVed warheads

Trump to tap Richard Grenell as US special envoy on Ukraine — agency

Grenell would play a key role in Trump's efforts to halt the conflict if he is ultimately selected for the post

Japanese lawmaker praises Putin's restraint amid decision to strike deep into Russia

Top EU diplomat Josep Borrell confirmed that the US administration had lifted restrictions for US-supplied missiles to be used for strikes up to 300 kilometers inside Russia

Germany to start supplying Ukraine with 'mini-Taurus' attack drones in December — report

A total of 4,000 AI-powered drones are set to be transferred, several hundred every month

Russia encircles largest Ukrainian fortification in southern DPR — security services

"The enemy positioned in the fortified area in Velikaya Novoselka in the south of the DPR is already trapped in a kill zone," the source said

Russia not obliged to notify anyone about launch of intermediate-range missile — Kremlin

"No, there have been no notifications, for Russia has no such obligation with regard to intermediate-range missiles," Dmitry Peskov emphasized

Comprehensive partnership agreement between Russia, Iran to cover defense sphere

The agreement on comprehensive strategic partnership is called to become the most important stage in development of bilateral relations

Zelensky shook up by Russia’s response to permission to attack it — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, the West is directly involved in the use of long-range weapons against Russia, as not a single missile could be launched without its involvement

Russia’s steel production plunged in October — WSA

China produced 81.9 mln metric tons in October, up 2.9% on an annualized basis

Bulgarian politician sees Oreshnik missile strike as wake-up call for peace

"European politicians need to think twice about what they do next, especially since Donald Trump, who will take office in two months, replacing the current White House occupant, has already expressed his commitment to the policy of peace," Krasimir Karakachanov said

Signal to West and 'red card': experts weigh in on Putin’s missile launch statements

The important message in Vladimir Putin’s speech was that "Russia does believe that the West has shifted from a proxy-war to direct war" and that the parties find themselves in "a global conflict" now, Dmitry Suslov said

US admiral says Washington should be ready for talks with Russia, China

The Department of State and other US agencies "should continue to engage our competitors in real and substantive dialogue," Rear Admiral Thomas Buchanan said

Any escalation scenario possible in Ukraine conflict — Medvedev

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NATO enters conflict, Russia has every right to attack its targets now — expert

Col. (Ret.) Lawrence Wilkerson confirmed to TASS that the launch of ATACMS missiles would be impossible without "US/NATO satellite feeds and/or personnel"

Ex-German Chancellor considers dialog with Russia necessary to settle conflict in Ukraine

Angela Merkel advised politicians "to be authentic" when building up relations with US President-elect dondald Trump

UN Loss and Damage Fund to be fully operational from 2025

The total pledged financial support for the Fund is over $731.15 mln to date

NATO secretary general, US President-elect hold first meeting

On Friday, Rutte held his first meeting with Trump in Florida

Kremlin clarifies notification process for Oreshnik missile launch

"An automated warning was sent 30 minutes before the launch," Dmitry Peskov said

Russia, CSTO partners to discuss West’s authorization of strikes on Russia — TASS source

"A top-level session of the CSTO Collective Security Council will be held in the near future, and this matter will naturally be addressed", the source told TASS

Gazprombank’s UnionPay cards no longer serviced in several countries

US expects Russia-North Korea cooperation to be formidable challenge in coming years

Mira Rapp-Hooper mentioned the US administration’s version, according to which North Korea has allegedly sent troops to engage in active combat in Ukraine

Putin to address parliament next year, preparations underway — Kremlin

"Certainly, it is being prepared in advance, this is a lengthy process," the Kremlin official said

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Based on experts’ estimates, the RS-28 Sarmat is capable of delivering a MIRVed warhead weighing up to 10 tons to any location worldwide both over the North and South Poles

IDF verifying Hamas’ allegations about death of Israeli hostage in Gaza

Earlier in the day, Hamas reported the death of an Israeli woman who had been held hostage in the Gaza Strip

Topol ICBMs to come out of service in Russia in 2024

It is planned that some of Topol ICBMs coming out of service will be used for civilian purposes as Start-1 carrier rockets

France only finishes off Ukraine by allowing it to strike inside Russia — diplomat

Zakharova said earlier that no attempts by "French warmongers" would change the outcome of the conflict

Bundeswehr prepares plan for Operation Germany in case of war with Russia — newspaper

According to it, the 1,000-page "Operation Germany" plan lists all infrastructure facilities that deserve special protection, and also contains a procedure for defense or "measures to deter Russia on NATO’s eastern flank"

West builds up military presence near Russia’s Arctic borders — presidential aide

According to Nikolay Patrushev, the "imposed sanctions restrictions are aimed at thwarting the implementation of Russia’s Arctic projects"

Taiwan reports 25 Chinese aircraft, 7 ships approaching island

The Taiwanese army responded by employing aircraft, navy vessels, and coastal missile systems to monitor the targets

France, UK will have to pay for their helping Ukraine strike inside Russia — diplomat

Russia’s Permanent Representative to the Vienna-based international organizations Mikhail Ulyanov said that what has been done by the White House is very dangerous

Ukraine should consider territorial concessions to Russia in return for peace — magazine

Foreign Policy pointed out that Western officials should stop insisting in public speeches on the need to achieve a strategic defeat for Russia

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Ukrainian army admits loss of 40% of territories it controlled in Kursk Region — agency

"At most, we controlled about 1,376 square kilometers, now of course this territory is smaller," the source said

China against double standards in international law — Foreign Ministry

Spokesman Lin Jian highlighted Washington's use of double standards in handling the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within the United Nations

Oreshnik missile to go into serial production, Putin says

The president stressed that given the weapon’s special power, it "will be provided precisely to the Strategic Missile Forces"

US, Europe openly side with Kiev by supplying it with weapons — top Turkish diplomat

He stressed that today "it is vital prevent economic and political confrontation in certain regions of the world from growing into a real war."

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Conflict in Ukraine no longer regional war — German defense minister

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Zelensky fine with conflict continuing due to Western help — Slovak PM

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US, European officials suggest returning nukes to Ukraine — NYT

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Over the day, the enemy lost 150 troops, four motor vehicles, an artillery piece and two mortars

Russia’s Oreshnik has no analogues worldwide — Putin

"We know what kind of developments are being carried out there, but this will happen tomorrow or in a year or two, but we have such a system already today," the president said

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Here are the key statements, made during the meeting

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According to Daniel Davis authorizing US long-range weapons to be used against Russia is "foolhardy to the highest order," "especially because there is no military upside for doing so"

Israel carries out four strikes on building in Beirut

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Trump to name investor Bessent as Treasury Secretary

Janet Yellen currently holds the position

State Department says US-India relations hit some headwinds due to Russia, BRICS

Kurt Campbell said that it is important to 'keep attention on the horizon'

Russian military to warn Ukrainian civilians of future Oreshnik attacks — Kremlin

Earlier, the Russian Armed Forces carried out a precision strike on Ukraine’s Yuzhmash defense industry facility in retaliation for the use of US-and UK-made weapons for strikes on Russia

Weapons supplied to Ukraine cannot reach Russian territory, Spanish defense minister says

The New York Times reported on November 17 that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia

Lukashenko grants asylum to Schmidt persecuted on political grounds by Poland

The head of state also approved citizenship applications from foreign nationals and stateless persons residing in the country

Kremlin explains why Oreshnik missile came as surprise

"I am sure that neither of us is even aware right now of any new future developments.", Peskov said

Ukrainian defense line in Donbass may soon collapse — expert

"Those are very important logistical hubs and defence outposts for the Ukrainian armed forces, and losing them will give Russia the advantage to move forward to cities like Kramatorsk and Slovyansk," Marina Miron emphasized

Progress cargo spaceship docks to ISS

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34 rounds fired by Ukrainian troops at Kherson Region’s left bank settlements

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Death toll from Israeli strike on Beirut climbs to 11, with 33 people injured

According to the television channel, the attack was aimed at eliminating Muhammad Haydar

German politician slams Ukraine’s ‘irresponsible’ strike on Russia with UK-made missiles

"A diplomatic search for balance and mutual understanding should be the goal, instead of further escalation," Alice Weidel said

Russian forces eliminate Ukrainian MiG-29 on ground

Additionally, Russian units eliminated one munitions depot

US, West have no capabilities to intercept new Russian hypersonic missile — expert

"There is more in the Russian arsenal than many believe," said Karin Kneissl, the former Foreign Minister of Austria

Most of Russian weapons manufactured inside Russia — Medvedev

Lukashenko tells Putin situation is "starting to get tense with Wagner"

The Belarusian leader noted that they want to go to Warsaw

Final test launch of Russia's new RS-26 Rubezh ballistic missile successful — designer

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Zelensky’s actions make Ukraine vulnerable to coup, says politician

"Democratic institutions in the country have been destroyed, rendering dialogue between the government and the people impossible," Viktor Medvedchuk said

Internet shutdown possible in Belarus if events of August 2020 recur, Lukashenko says

Belarus faced widespread disruptions to mobile Internet access in 2020 due to the protests that erupted across the country

US missile defense base in Poland long among Russian army’s targets — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova stated that the US-NATO construction project, ongoing for nearly a decade with complete disregard to Russian security concerns, has consistently been a focus of Russia's attention

Oreshnik missile to change course of Ukrainian conflict, Medvedev believes

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said it in an interview

Western countries should 'be afraid, tremble' after Putin's statement — lawmaker

Andrey Kartapolov added that the special military operation in Ukraine "will continue its course until all tasks are completed"

Defense ministers of five European nations to meet in Berlin on November 25

The French interior ministry said earlier that an emergency meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council will be held on November 26 following Russia using its new missile against a Ukrainian defense sector facility

Biden’s actions on Ukraine meant to 'muck things up' for Trump — Lavrov

According to the Russian foreign minister, such behavior is "typical of the Democrats"

Russia entitled to use weapons against military sites of states attacking it — Duma

"Russia has repeatedly stated that such actions will receive a response – and it will be a stronger one," Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin stressed

Russian servicemen control 30% of Chasov Yar in DPR — expert

According to military expert Andrey Marochko, 10% of the territory is the so-called grey zone

Ukraine hopes to see US peace plan in January

Zelensky said he doesn’t know when he will be able to meet with Trump but this will obviously happen after his inauguration

NATO countries engaged in full-fledged war against Russia — Medvedev

According to him, the alliance is "fully engaged" in the Ukrainian conflict

Ukraine loses up to 160 troops in battlegroup East’s responsibility area — top brass

Units of the Russian battlegroup East continue fulfilling military tasks in the area of the special military operation

Oreshnik can reach targets across entire Europe — missile troops commander

"Based on the tasks and the range of this weapon, it can hit targets across entire Europe, which sets it apart from other high-precision long-range weapons," Sergey Karakayev said

Press review: Russia fires missile at Ukraine plant and Biden forgives Kiev $4.65 bln debt

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, November 22nd

Gas supply by Gazprom for Europe through Ukraine totals 42.4 mcm via Sudzha

The day before, the pumping volume also equaled 42.4 mln cubic meters

Diplomat mocks US Senator for talking about invading Netherlands

Maria Zakharova quoted the US Senator, who called the ICC a "Kangaroo court" and ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan a "deranged fanatic"

Ukrainian frontline may 'collapse' under onslaught of Russian forces — BBC

According to the experts, Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s borderline Kursk Region turned out to be a "strategic catastrophe" amid "manpower shortages"

Russia hammers Ukrainian military-industrial facilities, energy sites over week

Russian forces liberated seven communities in the Donetsk People’s Republic over the past week, the Defense Ministry reported

Ukraine conflict entering decisive phase, Polish PM says

According to Donald Tusk, "no one knows how the conflict will end"

Two injured in bridge collapse in Crimea

"A car and a truck were on the bridge at the moment of collapse. Russian Emergencies Ministry rescuers retrieved two injured people," the ministry said

3,500 people cross into Syria from Lebanon in past day — Russian military

Oleg Ignasyuk said that the Russian reconciliation center conducted two humanitarian operations in the Damascus governorate and distributed more than 5.9 tons of food among residents